The series was produced by The Wonder Project, a studio led by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, and is internationally distributed by Lionsgate. The creators have emphasized that the show is made for a broad audience, not just religious people.[4]
Following a four-month casting search, Michael Iskander was chosen to portray David, and Martyn Ford as Goliath. Filming took place in Greece in 2024.[5]
The series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes released on Amazon Prime Video, followed by weekly episodes until April 3, 2025. It received praise for its production values and faithfulness to Jewish traditions and the Christian biblical narrative. It has been renewed for a second season.[6]
Premise
Set in 1000 BC in Israel, the first season chronicles David as a young shepherd anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king following Saul's disobedient descent. As David continues his journey to kingship with challenges and opportunities from his faith and relationships, the season culminates with his battle against the Philistine giant Goliath.[7]
Cast and characters
Main
Michael Iskander as David: A shepherd in Bethlehem who is anointed to be the next king of Israel. A poet and a musician playing the lyre, he is the youngest son of Jesse and Nitzevet, the younger brother of Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, and a relative of Joab. Raphael Korniets portrays David as a child.
Ali Suliman as Saul: The first king of Israel from the Tribe of Benjamin, the husband of Ahinoam, the father of Jonathan, Eshbaal, Merab, and Michal, and the cousin of Abner. He is a former donkey herder and the son of Kish.
Ayelet Zurer as Ahinoam: The first queen of Israel, the wife of Saul, and the mother of Jonathan, Eshbaal, Merab, and Michal.
Indy Lewis as Michal: A princess of Israel, the younger daughter of Saul and Ahinoam, and the sister of Jonathan, Eshbaal, and Merab.
Ethan Kai as Jonathan: A prince of Israel, the oldest son of Saul and Ahinoam, and the older brother of Eshbaal, Merab, and Michal.
Oded Fehr as Abner: The commander-in-chief of his cousin Saul's army.
Louis Ferreira as Jesse: A former elder in Bethlehem, the father of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, the husband of Nitzevet, and a relative of Joab. He is the son of Obed and the grandson of Boaz.
Yali Topol Margalith as Merab: A princess of Israel, the older daughter of Saul and Ahinoam, and the sister of Jonathan, Eshbaal, and Michal.
Sam Otto as Eshbaal: A prince of Israel, the younger son of Saul and Ahinoam, and the brother of Jonathan, Merab, and Michal.
Davood Ghadami as Eliab: A high-ranking soldier in Saul's army, the oldest son of Jesse, the older brother of David, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, and a relative of Joab.
Aury Alby as Joab: The second-in-command officer of Saul's army after Abner and a relative of Jesse and his sons.
Stewart Scudamore as Adriel: The chief elder from the Tribe of Judah and an adviser of Saul. He is the son of Barzillai.
Siir Tilif as Nitzevet: The mother of David and the wife of Jesse.
Martyn Ford as Goliath: A Philistine giant from Gath descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim, an enemy of Israel, and the brother of Lahmi, Ishbi, and Benob.
Stephen Lang as Samuel: A prophet and a seer of the LordGod, who is the last of the judges leading Israel before anointing Saul and David as kings. He is the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Naby Dakhli as Abinadab: A high-ranking soldier in Saul's army, the second son of Jesse, a brother of David, Eliab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, and a relative of Joab.
Raresh DiMofte as Lahmi: A Philistine giant from Gath descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim and the brother of Goliath, Ishbi, and Benob.
Aziz Dyab as Nethaneel: The fourth son of Jesse, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Raddai, and Ozem, and a relative of Joab.
Stefanos Vuksanovic as Ozem: The sixth son of Jesse, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, and Raddai, and a relative of Joab.
Konstantinos Krommidas as Raddai: The fifth son of Jesse, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, and Ozem, and a relative of Joab.
Jeremy Xido as Agag: The king of Amalek and an enemy of Israel.
Andreas Alevizos as Ishbi: A Philistine giant descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim and the brother of Goliath, Lahmi, and Benob.
Christos Villanakis as Benob: A Philistine giant descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim and the brother of Goliath, Lahmi, and Ishbi.
Teleplay by: Jon Erwin & N.D. Wilson & Nathan A. Jacobs Story by: Jon Erwin
February27,2025(2025-02-27)
Five hundred years after Mosessplits the Red Sea, the Seer Samuel (Stephen Lang) anointsSaul (Ali Suliman) from the Tribe of Benjamin as the first king of the Kingdom of Israel for 25 years, yet King Saul gradually becomes prideful of his victories. At the Valley of Elah, 1000 BC, the shepherd David (Michael Iskander) prepares to fight the Philistine giant Goliath (Martyn Ford). One year earlier, David rescues his sheep from a lion in Bethlehem. In Havilah, King Saul and the Israelites defeat King Agag (Jeremy Xido) and the Amalekites while the Philistines attack Baal-Hazor. In Gilgal, King Saul sets up a monument to sacrifice and celebrate with spoils of war but spares King Agag, defying the LordGod's command to destroy Amalek. Samuel receives a prophecy in Ramah and confronts King Saul with a rebuke for disobeying the Lord God, who leaves and rejects Saul as the king by choosing someone better to replace him. King Saul loses his sanity after tearing Samuel's robe while Samuel slays King Agag. As David kills the lion in a cave, Samuel searches for the next king.
2
"Deep Calls to Deep"
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn & N.D. Wilson
February27,2025(2025-02-27)
Several years earlier, in Bethlehem, David becomes an outcast as a bastard. After David's mother, Nitzevet (Siir Tilif), sacrifices herself to save David from the lion, David's father, Jesse (Louis Ferreira), makes David a shepherd. In the present, Jesse admonishes David. In Gibeah, King Saul and Queen Ahinoam (Ayelet Zurer) order the commander-in-chief Abner (Oded Fehr) to find the one whom Samuel anoints. King Achish (Alexander Uloom) of Gath meets with fellow kings of Philistia to plan on attacking Israel. David's older brothers, Eliab (Davood Ghadami) and Abinadab (Naby Dakhli), and their relative, Joab (Aury Alby), return from the Amalekite battle. David attempts to convince Eliab and Abinadab to enlist him in the army. The priestAhimelech (Dimitris Ziakas) teaches Princess Michal (Indy Lewis) about the scriptures. Encountering King Achish and the Philistines in Baal-Hazor, David runs away with a wounded Eliab. King Saul loses his sanity again, and Prince Jonathan (Ethan Kai) and Abner suppress him.
3
"The Anointing"
Alexandra La Roche
Jon Erwin & Bekah Hubbell
February27,2025(2025-02-27)
King Saul accidentally kills a servant with his spear as his mental state deteriorates. Jesse and his other sons cure Eliab. Abner commands King Saul's Edomite servant, Doeg (Ashraf Barhom), to find Samuel. Samuel goes to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king in the Lord God's direction. Queen Ahinoam, with Abner, consults a medium to break King Saul's curse. King Achish meets with the mother of giants, Orpah (Sian Webber), and the Anakim descendants, including Goliath and Lahmi (Raresh DiMofte), to assemble an alliance against Israel. Entering Bethlehem, Samuel invites Jesse and his sons to offer sacrifice. Under the Lord God's guidance, Samuel rejects David's seven older brothers, including Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel (Aziz Dyab), Raddai (Konstantinos Krommidas), and Ozem (Stefanos Vuksanovic), after thinking each one could be king. Learning that David, the youngest, is not present who keeps the sheep, Samuel reprimands Jesse, who sends for David. When David arrives, Samuel recognizes him as the one. Under the Lord God's instruction, Samuel anoints David as the new king of Israel. Meanwhile, King Saul returns to his throne.
4
"The Song of Moses"
Alexandra La Roche
Bekah Hubbell
March6,2025(2025-03-06)
Before leaving, Samuel blesses David, who receives the Lord God's Spirit. Jesse and his other sons agree that no one can know David's anointing. Joab delivers an order to bring David to the palace. Facing serious allegations, Queen Ahinoam banishes Prince Eshbaal (Sam Otto), who defiles the Tribe of Dan's elder's daughter, to the city of refuge of Endor, following the Law of Moses. In Gibeah, Queen Ahinoam summons David to play the lyre to comfort King Saul. David plays the lyre and sings his psalm, refreshing King Saul. David befriends Princess Michal, whom he has met earlier, despite Eliab's warning. Princess Michal teaches David how to read and write, building their relationship. David continues to play the lyre while singing the Song of Moses, winning King Saul's favor. Believing King Saul pursues him, Samuel hides with his wife. Prince Eshbaal joins someone who ambushes his convoy.
Queen Ahinoam tries to cover up King Saul's insanity and show strength by hosting a feast to welcome Adriel (Stewart Scudamore), the chief elder from the Tribe of Judah. Despite objections from Queen Ahinoam, Eliab, and Joab, David pursues his relationship with Princess Michal. The House of Saul plans to unite with Adriel, where King Saul offers a reluctant Princess Michal in marriage with one of Adriel's sons. A harmful spirit resembling King Agag torments King Saul, but David plays his lyre, restoring King Saul, who promotes Adriel as an adviser. Considering the negotiations, King Saul decides that Princess Merab (Yali Topol Margalith) will marry one of Adriel's sons instead, observing their fondness. During the blessing ceremony, Adriel receives the scroll of the Blessing of Jacob from King Saul and reads it. The harmful spirit returns to torment King Saul, who accuses Adriel of taking over his throne. King Saul descends into madness, and he and Adriel cancel their alliance and Princess Merab's marriage. Both unable to sleep, King Saul speaks with David, inviting him to sit on his throne.
Orpah narrates the origin of giants from the Nephilim as the offspring of rebellious angels known as the Watchers, including Samyaza, and humans, acknowledging Goliath, Lahmi, Ishbi (Andreas Alevizos), and Benob (Christos Villanakis) as the last of them. At the palace, David becomes closer to King Saul. In Gath, King Achish offers an alliance with Orpah and Goliath, providing Mycenaean bronze armor and weapons to Goliath and training him in combat, yet declines Orpah's request for the throne. Princess Michal confronts David upon discovering David's background but confesses her love to him. Doeg seeks his ulterior agenda for King Achish by killing Orpah and blaming it on Israel and the House of Saul. Realizing his music cannot cure King Saul's descent, David leaves Gibeah, confessing his love for Princess Michal to Princess Merab, and comes home. On Mount Sinai, Prince Jonathan finds Samuel, who reveals he has anointed another as the next king. Prince Jonathan comes across the Philistine armies assembling at the Valley of Elah, informing King Saul, Abner, and Joab. Goliath ambushes an Israelite camp and returns to Gath to avenge Orpah's death, allying with King Achish.
7
"David and Goliath - Part 1"
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
March27,2025(2025-03-27)
Jesse sends his other sons, including Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, except David, to join their older brothers in the war. Samuel visits Jesse and David for a sacrifice. At the Valley of Elah, King Saul rallies the Israelite armies while the Philistine armies from Gath, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Gaza unite with King Achish, King Ashkelon (Haydar Koyel), King Ashdod (Yannis Anastasakis), and King Yurza (Derek Horsham). An armored Goliath wielding weapons emerges, challenging the Israelites to send their champion to fight him and defying Israel and the Lord God, frightening the Israelites and causing a harmful spirit to torment King Saul. Dismayed and afraid, King Saul becomes disoriented and searches for someone willing to fight Goliath. David tells his vision, and Samuel relates it to the commander of the Lord's army, who appears to Joshua several centuries ago, affirming David's fate. Goliath continues to intimidate the Israelites for weeks, and Prince Jonathan decides to fight him, recalling the Battle of Michmash. Samuel speaks with Jesse to settle Jesse's relationship with David. Acknowledging Samuel's prophecy, Jesse reconciles with David, revealing his love for him and Nitzevet, and commands David to bring provisions for David's brothers to the battlefield.
8
"David and Goliath - Part 2"
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
Jon Erwin & Jonathan Lloyd Walker & Nathan A. Jacobs
April3,2025(2025-04-03)
After attacking the Tribe of Zebulun that retreats from the Israelite encampment, the Philistines capture Prince Jonathan, who sneaks into the Philistine camp. Goliath keeps defying Israel for forty days, extending his challenge. King Achish releases Prince Jonathan with a persuasion of surrender. Reaching the camp with Princess Merab, Princess Michal comforts King Saul with scriptures. Prince Eshbaal returns and plans to become the next king to survive the throne. David arrives at the camp, learning about Goliath. Eliab rebukes David for coming, but David volunteers to fight Goliath. King Saul summons David, who testifies to his experiences as a shepherd, choosing David as champion. David reunites and reconciles with Princess Michal, confessing their love to each other. Prince Jonathan finds and discovers David as the Lord God's anointed. David approaches Goliath, who disdains David. David speaks of the Lord God's deliverance and declares his victory. David runs toward Goliath, and Goliath throws his spears, striking David. Samuel appears, and David rises and slings his stone, striking Goliath on the forehead. As Goliath falls, David kills Goliath by cutting off Goliath's head. The Philistines flee, and the Israelites pursue them as David holds Goliath's sword.
Production
Development
The development of House of David originated from creator Jon Erwin's longstanding interest in the biblical story of King David. Erwin's fascination with the narrative began in his youth and led him to start working on the script as a teenager after visiting King David's tomb in Jerusalem. This early inspiration eventually contributed to the creation of the television series years later. The series was produced by The Wonder Project, a studio founded by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.[8] Amazon's interest in a high-budget biblical series was piqued when On a Wing and a Prayer proved unexpectedly popular on the platform.[9]
Amazon's initial order was only for one season. Erwin said before its release that the script he wrote encompasses three seasons, hoping to finish it.[10]
Casting
The casting process for House of David was extensive, spanning four months to find the ideal actor for the titular role. The filmmakers said the actors did not need to be personally religious, but needed to be excited about the story.[9]
Newcomer Michael Iskander was ultimately selected to portray David,[11] marking his first major acting credit. Iskander secured the role in auditions partly because he had thrown the shot put and the discus in high school.[12] Joining him is Ali Suliman as King Saul, the first king of Israel whose complex relationship with David forms a central pillar of the story. Ayelet Zurer portrays Queen Ahinoam, Saul's wife, adding depth to the royal family dynamics.[13] Veteran actor Stephen Lang takes on the role of Samuel, the prophet who anoints David. Additionally, British bodybuilder and actor Martyn Ford was cast as the formidable Goliath.[14] Ford is 6'8" and 320 pounds, and in the series is portrayed as 9'9" through forced perspective and digital enhancements.[12]
The writing of House of David seeks to present a nuanced depiction of King David by combining scriptural narratives with creative storytelling. Co-created and directed by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, both known for their work in faith-based cinema, the series aims to make the biblical story more relatable to contemporary audiences. Drawing primarily from the early chapters of 1 Samuel, the narrative follows David’s transformation from a shepherd to a central figure in Israel’s history. The writers expand upon the biblical text to explore his relationships with key figures such as King Saul and the prophet Samuel, adding complexity to these interactions.[16]
The series integrates direct biblical references with original dialogue, developing subplots that provide depth to secondary characters, including Saul, Michal, and Jonathan. It also delves into David’s internal struggles with faith, morality, and leadership, extending beyond his well-documented battles and victories.[14]
The series is intended to be faithful to the Hebrew Bible but not necessarily a strict retelling of the biblical account of David. "I do remind people this is not Scripture. This is not the source material. This is a love letter to the source material," Erwin says.[17] Historians, biblical and rabbinical scholars, and pastors were consulted in writing the script.[9]
One of the challenges in writing the series was crafting dialogue that felt authentic to the historical setting while remaining accessible to modern audiences. To achieve this balance, the writers adopted a formal yet naturalistic style, avoiding overly archaic language.[18]
Erwin and Gunn say that the show is not only intended for religious people but for a broad audience, with inspiration taken from The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.[2]
Principal photography
Principal photography for House of David commenced in 2024, with the production team selecting Greece as the primary filming location. The country's ancient architecture and diverse landscapes provided an authentic backdrop for the biblical narrative. Specific locations included the region of Fyli, which effectively represented the historical setting of the series. Additionally, parts of the series were filmed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, utilizing its vast terrains to depict various aspects of the story.[19]
The production team initially scouted locations in Morocco, Jordan, Italy, and Israel before finalizing Greece and Canada for their suitable landscapes and infrastructure. Filming in these locations not only provided visual authenticity but also contributed to the high production values noted in the series.[20] Over 700 people were involved in the production.[10]
Generative artificial intelligence was used in combination with traditional special effects to create an origin sequence for Goliath. Erwin stated that AI made the scene grander and more detailed than their time and budget would allow using only regular tools.[21]
Music
The music for the television series House of David was composed by Kevin Kiner along with his children, Sean and Deana Kiner. The trio has previously worked on series such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Narcos: Mexico.[22]
For House of David, their composition incorporates a blend of traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation and contemporary orchestral elements, aiming to align with the historical setting while appealing to modern audiences. The series' official soundtrack, House of David: Season One, was released digitally on February 27, 2025, to coincide with the show's premiere.[22]
Additionally, a compilation album titled Music Inspired by the Prime Video Original Series "House of David" features songs from various artists that complement the themes of the series. The album was made available for pre-save on February 21, 2025.[23]
Release
The series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes made available for streaming.[24][25] New episodes were released weekly on Thursdays Prime Video, with the season finale airing on April 3, 2025.[26]
In its first week, the series reached #2 on Prime's most watched list.[27] It drew 22 million viewers in the first 17 days, leading Amazon Prime to quickly renew it for a second season.[6]
Reception
Critical response
The series has received a range of reviews from critics. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 7 critics gave the series a positive review, with an average rating of 7/10.[28]
The Gospel Coalition praised House of David for maintaining a balance between narrative engagement and biblical accuracy. The review highlights how the multi-season format allows for more in-depth character development compared to feature films.[29] Similarly, Leah MarieAnn Klett of The Christian Post describes the series as "visually stunning and spiritually rich," commending its high production values and performances. She notes that the show effectively blends biblical accuracy with compelling drama, making the story accessible to contemporary audiences.[30] Alison Herman of Variety critiqued House of David for its lack of depth, calling it “wooden and cheap-looking” despite Amazon’s investment in biblical epics. Acknowledging its positioning as a prequel to The Chosen, the review cites inconsistent accents, unconvincing special effects, and a lack of emotional engagement to ultimately consider the show uninspired, failing to develop compelling characters or match the intrigue of historical dramas like Shōgun.[31] Martin Carr of Comic Book Resources describes House of David as a "sweeping biblical epic" that embraces a grand storytelling approach. He highlights the series' exploration of political power struggles and divine intervention, crafting a narrative of triumph against overwhelming odds that resonates with contemporary audiences.[32] Joel Keller of Decider acknowledges its attempt to present biblical figures with greater depth but argues that it falls short, stating that the characters "appear more like mythical figures rather than relatable humans" and describing the tone as "dull and uninspiring".[33]
Batya Ungar-Sargon of The Free Press called the series "phenomenal" and praised its depiction of Jewish traditions. "The show’s most important contribution is in exposing liberal American Jews to the way so many of our Christian neighbors see us—not as an oppressed victim caste who killed Christ and should be loathed for it, but rather as an ancient, noble tribe of warrior poets and kings favored by the blessing of the God they serve," she wrote.[34]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
